Layers may seem like a slow way to go but the result is luminous supple skin surfaces that look alive. Right now there are seven students in my portrait class who are finding out the joy and excitement of achieving this quality in their first portrait attempts. it amazes me how they all come to class with such eagerness and leave expressing their desire to return quickly for more. They work diligently and ask questions. if they are discouraged, all it takes is me explaining that they are on the right track and they respond with a positive attitude and a willingness to keep faith that they are still doing this correctly. I explain that they must develop the ability to see ahead to the look they are wanting, that this will only happen well when the light can go through the transparent layers and bounce back to the eye. I tell them they also can make the choice to paint directly, with all the colors mixed each time they come to the easel. but the effect, although pleasing, even beautiful, will be flat and only realistic in an illusory way. This indirect method is also just paint, after all, but it has much more life when done well. Here I show the layer I hurriedly apply after the students leave because i never have a minute to paint when it is better to use the time instructing and explaining. It is a privilege and a pleasure. I feel blessed.